At the Haldoria Business Gala, Harold Lincoln, Curtis\u2019s grandfather, makes a brief appearance before leaving early, while Curtis arrives with Adriana as his plus one. Despite Curtis\u2019s casual introduction of Adriana, she feels the intense scrutiny of the powerful businessmen around them, which makes her uncomfortable and eager to leave. Curtis notices her unease and offers support, but the atmosphere remains tense with whispers about weddings and past relationships.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The arrival of Matthew and Natasha, a striking couple, intensifies Adriana\u2019s discomfort. Their presence rekindles old emotions and memories, especially as gossip about Matthew\u2019s engagement to Natasha circulates. Curtis confronts Matthew and Natasha with a sharp question about an incident involving Natasha\u2019s brother and a young girl, implicitly defending Adriana. This confrontation reveals underlying tensions between Curtis and Matthew, surprising the guests given their families\u2019 usual peaceful relations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Natasha recognizes Adriana and tries to downplay their relationship, but Curtis challenges her, heightening the conflict. Matthew, though visibly affected by Adriana\u2019s presence, maintains his composure and suggests Natasha leave. As Matthew commands Adriana to follow him, expecting her usual obedience, she instead clings to Curtis and quietly asks to leave, signaling a significant shift in her stance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s refusal to follow Matthew marks a turning point, showing her breaking free from past control and asserting her own will. The encounter with Matthew and Natasha leaves her feeling nauseous and unsettled, underscoring the emotional turmoil she experiences as she distances herself from a painful past.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
11 Adriana No Longer Obeys Him<\/p>\n
The grand ballroom of the Haldoria Business Gala buzzed with quiet conversations and the clinking of glasses, the air thick with polished ambition and subtle power plays. Among the distinguished guests was Harold Lincoln, Curtis\u2019s grandfather and the former chairman of the chamber of commerce. Though his age was evident and he arrived in a wheelchair, his presence still commanded respect. After sharing a few brief words, Harold excused himself early, unwilling or unable to linger in the intense atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Curtis arrived just as Harold was preparing to leave, accompanied by Adriana. The older man\u2019s eyes brightened as he caught sight of them. \u201cCurtis, is this your girlfriend? After all these years, you finally\u2014\u201d Harold\u2019s gaze shifted to Adriana, his smile warm and genuine.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s heart fluttered nervously, glancing at Curtis to gauge how he might introduce her.<\/p>\n
Curtis interrupted smoothly, \u201cShe\u2019s my plus one, Grandpa. Not officially my girlfriend yet\u2014I haven\u2019t won her over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harold chuckled softly, nodding approvingly at Adriana. \u201cLovely girl. Take your time, you two.\u201d<\/p>\n
The assistant gently wheeled Harold away, and Curtis turned to Adriana with a sheepish smile. \u201cSorry for dragging you here just as an excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana shook her head, brushing off the apology. \u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before they could move on, a group of businessmen approached, their smiles wide and eyes curious. \u201cMr. Lincoln! This is the first time I\u2019ve seen you bring someone to one of these events. Whose daughter is she? Must be someone special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another chimed in, \u201cShe\u2019s stunning. Of course, Mr. Lincoln would have impeccable taste.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana felt the weight of their gazes like a predator\u2019s stare. These men were powerful, their smiles masking sharp edges. She didn\u2019t want to get tangled in their world. She hated this crowd\u2014the scheming, the false pleasantries\u2014it all felt suffocating.<\/p>\n
She thought bitterly of Matthew, and even Curtis, wondering if they too belonged to this ruthless circle.<\/p>\n
Curtis, sensing her discomfort, offered his arm. \u201cShe\u2019s young, a little shy. I won\u2019t force her to meet everyone here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grasping his arm tightly, Adriana felt a surge of relief. She longed to escape this place.<\/p>\n
The conversation around them continued, light and teasing. \u201cMr. Lincoln, seeing you here\u2014are wedding bells in the air? Your grandfather said his biggest wish is to see you married soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis smiled but said nothing, the hint understood and the topic dropped.<\/p>\n
Then someone whispered excitedly, \u201cDid you hear? Matthew\u2019s getting married. He proposed to Natasha Jones last week. Might beat all of us to the altar.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s chest tightened involuntarily, and she clutched Curtis\u2019s arm a little harder. He noticed but offered only a quick, understanding glance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn\u2019t Natasha marry him before? She ran off to marry that guy from Moweland, of all places. Four years away, divorced, and now she\u2019s back,\u201d another whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, she\u2019s confident. Even after the divorce, Matthew only has eyes for her,\u201d came the reply.<\/p>\n
Back when Natasha had left, gossip about Matthew was silent. Everyone knew his devotion to her was rare, especially among the wealthy elite, making their story the talk of the town.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, laughter broke out near the entrance. \u201cSpeak of the devil! Matthew, you\u2019re late. Three shots as punishment!\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthew appeared, arm in arm with Natasha. Tonight, Natasha was breathtaking in a custom champagne-colored gown, her poised and mature beauty lighting up the room effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Adriana couldn\u2019t help but feel a pang of envy\u2014envy of the confidence that privilege seemed to grant Natasha.<\/p>\n
Curtis leaned in, voice low. \u201cAre you scared?\u201d<\/p>\n
He meant, was she afraid of running into Matthew.<\/p>\n
Adriana shook her head firmly. There was nothing left to fear. Their lives no longer intertwined.<\/p>\n
Matthew explained politely as he approached, \u201cNatasha\u2019s brother got injured, and there was a traffic jam on the way from the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled at Curtis. \u201cIt\u2019s been a while, Mr. Lincoln.\u201d<\/p>\n
Originally, Matthew had intended to bring Adriana tonight to assert his claim, but Natasha insisted on coming, forcing him to change plans.<\/p>\n
Natasha greeted Curtis politely as well.<\/p>\n
Someone asked about her brother\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a scrape from some poorly raised girl,\u201d Natasha replied with a graceful smile. \u201cNothing serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now standing before Curtis, neither Matthew nor Natasha seemed to recognize Adriana. They probably still assumed she was stuck at the police station.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s voice was calm but heavy with meaning. \u201cWhat did your brother do to deserve such a beating from a young girl?\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha froze, her eyes flicking to Curtis in confusion. She couldn\u2019t recall ever crossing him.<\/p>\n
Adriana instinctively shrank behind Curtis, surprised and grateful that he was standing up for her here, in front of these powerful people.<\/p>\n
Matthew started to defend Natasha, but when his gaze locked onto Adriana\u2019s, his words caught in his throat. His expression darkened, though his manners kept his temper in check.<\/p>\n
This Adriana was unlike anyone he had known before.<\/p>\n
For four years, from age nineteen to twenty-three, she had been his\u2014simple, unadorned, always in plain white tees or dresses, clean and scentless. The perfect mistress, never demanding, never challenging.<\/p>\n
But now, the woman he had kept for himself had slipped into another\u2019s arms, and it infuriated him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana?\u201d Natasha finally recognized her, eyes wide with surprise. \u201cWeren\u2019t you\u2026 at the police station?\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s voice cut through sharply. \u201cPretty sure the one who belongs there is Rufus.\u201d He positioned himself protectively in front of Adriana, giving Natasha no room to respond.<\/p>\n
Everyone knew Natasha came from a respected family and, as Matthew\u2019s first love, was usually treated with deference.<\/p>\n
But Curtis was different.<\/p>\n
Natasha\u2019s face stiffened as she frowned at Curtis. \u201cYou know Adriana? She\u2019s Matthew\u2019s assistant. We\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFriends?\u201d Curtis sneered, turning to Matthew. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize you were into that sweet little act, Mr. Langford.\u201d<\/p>\n
The room fell silent, shocked by the sudden tension between Curtis and Matthew. The Lincolns ruled Harborton, the Langfords were at the top in Haldoria\u2014these families never clashed. So why the fireworks tonight?<\/p>\n
Matthew said nothing, his eyes fixed intently on Adriana.<\/p>\n
She refused to meet his gaze\u2014not out of fear, but because she simply didn\u2019t want to.<\/p>\n
\u201cNatasha, why don\u2019t you go mingle with your friends?\u201d Matthew suggested softly, offering her an exit.<\/p>\n
Though her face betrayed her discomfort, as a proper heiress, she had no choice but to comply.<\/p>\n
Before walking away, Natasha cast Adriana a sharp, resentful look.<\/p>\n
Matthew turned back to Adriana. \u201cCome with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
His voice was low, commanding, as he headed toward the restroom, fully expecting her to follow as she always had.<\/p>\n
For four years, no matter how unreasonable his demands, she had obeyed without hesitation.<\/p>\n
But this time was different.<\/p>\n
After a few steps, Matthew glanced back, searching for her.<\/p>\n
Adriana made no move to follow. Instead, she gripped Curtis\u2019s arm tighter and whispered, \u201cMr. Lincoln, your grandfather already left\u2026 can I go home?\u201d<\/p>\n
A wave of nausea swept over her.<\/p>\n
Seeing Natasha and Matthew again stirred a sick feeling deep inside\u2014one she couldn\u2019t shake.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This chapter delicately captures Adriana\u2019s growing strength and resolve as she steps away from the shadows of her past, no longer bound by old loyalties or the expectations of those around her. The contrast between the polished, ruthless world of the gala and Adriana\u2019s internal struggle highlights her desire to reclaim her own identity, even amid the lingering presence of Matthew and Natasha. Her connection with Curtis offers a fragile but hopeful refuge, underscoring the theme of protection and new beginnings amidst the tension.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The emotional undercurrent of the evening\u2014marked by jealousy, power, and unspoken histories\u2014serves as a poignant backdrop to Adriana\u2019s quiet rebellion. Her refusal to follow Matthew signals a turning point, a refusal to be controlled or defined by past relationships. In this moment, Adriana\u2019s courage shines through, hinting at the possibility of healing and self-discovery, even as the shadows of her history continue to loom.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and shifting alliances that have begun to surface at the gala. Adriana\u2019s refusal to follow Matthew marks a significant turning point, hinting at a newfound strength and resolve that may challenge the power dynamics she\u2019s long been trapped in. As Curtis stands firmly by her side, the tension between the Lincolns and the Langfords is bound to escalate, bringing with it questions of loyalty, trust, and the true nature of Adriana\u2019s relationships.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Expect the emotional undercurrents to intensify as Adriana confronts her past and the ghosts that still haunt her. The presence of Natasha and Matthew, with their complicated history and unspoken grievances, will stir conflict not just between families but within Adriana herself. Will she finally break free from the shadows of her former life, or will the weight of old ties pull her back? The next chapter will explore these delicate balances, leaving readers eager to see who will emerge stronger and who might be left behind.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 11 When Time Tried to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-comeback-queens-crown-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23922"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23922\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}